Lunar Industry

Leaders

Satoru KurosuYokogawa Electric

Inustry Working Group Co-Chair

Atsushi Saikiispace, inc.

Inustry Working Group Co-Chair

The rise of lunar development by both space agencies and private companies is accelerating the emergence of a new lunar industry. While long-term investments and significant funding are required, bold, opportunity-driven thinking is essential to transform potential into viable business.

The Industry Working Group (IWG), in collaboration with the “Lunar Commerce and Economics” Working Group (LCE), aims to position the lunar industry as a high-growth sector by providing concrete projections and a clear roadmap. Furthermore, the group seeks to leverage lunar- derived technologies to address Earth-based challenges, fostering new business opportunities both on the Moon and on Earth.

Since its kickoff in June 2005, the IWG has explored the potential for lunar industrialization and compiled its findings into “Lunar Industry Development – Giant Leaps, Small Steps – Study Phase 1.” The results were presented at the 9th Moon Village Workshop & Symposium on December 3 in Torino, Italy.

Key points of Phase 1:
1.    We mapped the overall landscape of promising market segments, both on the Moon and in related terrestrial industries.
2.    As the “First Small Step” toward lunar industry, we focused on propellant production plants within the resource sector, where concrete studies are already underway. Our analysis suggests that propellant plants and power supply facilities could potentially achieve investment recovery within approximately 3–5 years.
3.    We outlined how the industry could expand beyond this initial step, including emerging areas such as lunar data centers and helium‑3 exploration, as well as intangible resources like lunar tourism and advertising/entertainment.
4.    We examined how lunar‑derived technologies—particularly environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS), which are essential for human presence—could contribute to terrestrial SDGs through circular‑economy applications.
5.    We developed an industrialization roadmap from 2026 through 2050, indicating a potential cumulative market of US$150B–230B.

In Phase 2, we plan to assess the economic feasibility of lunar industry and its impact on Earth, with results to be presented at the 10th Workshop & Symposium in October this year. Phase 3 will focus on engaging stakeholders to support implementation.